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THE RABBIT
EDWIN,
THE
YOUNG RABBIT
FANCIER,
AND
OTHER STORIES.
BOSTON:
CROSBY & AINSWORTH.
NEW YORK: OLIVER S. FELT.
1866.
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STORIES.
EDWIN, THE YOUNG RABBIT FANCIER.
Edwin was a very tender-heartedboy, and very eagerabout a thing when he tookit into his head; but hisenthusiasm very often lefthim just at the time it ought to have remained[Pg 6]with him. Thus he never pursuedany study or amusement for anylength of time with profit to himself, andoften fell into very grievous errors.
“Oh! dear mama,” said he one dayto his mother. “I do so much wish thatI had something for a pet; there isCharles Jones has a sweet little bird,and cousin James has a squirrel. Ishould so like something for a pet. Do,mama, buy me something—a Guinea pig,or a couple of pigeons, or a rabbit. Oh!I saw such a beautiful white rabbit yesterday.
“Ay, my dear,” said his mama, “I amafraid you would soon grow tired of yourrabbit, as you did of your gun, and bowand arrow, and ship, and rocking-horse.”
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“Oh! but a rabbit is quite different,mama; you can love a rabbit, youknow, and coax it, and feed it, and makeit happy. I should go out early in themorning, and pick some nice clover forit, and some thistle, and dandelion, andmarsh mallows. I know how to feedrabbits—I have learned all about it. Imust not give them too much greenstuff, but some nice bran and oats; andthen I could make a little trough for itto eat from, you know; and—and—”
“I am sure, my dear, it would be toomuch trouble to you; rabbits require agreat deal of care and attention, and youso soon get tired of any thing you takeup, that I fear it would soon suffer fromneglect.”
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“I am sure I should never neglect it,mama; and if you will give me a shilling,I can buy a beauty—a real white Frenchrabbit, with red eyes, and a coat likeswansdown. Do, mama, give me ashilling.”
“No, my dear,” said she, “I really mustrefuse you.”
Now, although Edwin